“Hullo!” cried Wyatt, as the native groom began caressing the animal on seeing them enter, with the result of making the horse more restive; “why, you’ve got Old Bones.”
“Yes, sir,” said the sergeant; “he knows his business so well that I thought he would be best.”
“But he’s such a rough, hard-mouthed brute, Stubbs.”
“Yes, sir; but he answers to the word of command better than any horse in the troop.”
“Humph!” ejaculated Wyatt. “You must nip him well with your knees, Darrell.”
Dick nodded, and stood looking at the horse, which was led up at a sign made by the sergeant.
“Been accustomed to horses, sir?” he said to his pupil.
“Yes, a little,” said Dick.
“Then you won’t be nervous, sir; and the ground bark is quite soft to fall on.”
“Yes,” said Wyatt; “and if you do come off you needn’t mind, for you’ll have no stirrups, and the horse will stop short.”